J.D. Martinez gives insight into new role as Mets…
J.D. Martinez vowed as a younger participant that if he had been lucky enough to have a profitable profession, he would develop into a mentor to others.
That stemmed from his early days with the Astros, when he sought advice from veterans and found a arduous fact.
“I was an up-and-down guy that barely played and I would reach out to the veteran guys, and at that time it was a little different,” Martinez said Wednesday at Citi Field before the Mets’ 7-2 loss to the Diamondbacks. “The veteran guys weren’t very nice. I remember seeing them and asking questions and them kind of never answering it and blowing me off and making my life a nightmare.”
Martinez grew to become a mentor to many, including in his lone season with the Mets in 2024. That affect with teammates led to the group last week hiring the 38-year-old Martinez as a particular assistant.
He started his new role on this homestand, serving as a “resource” within the clubhouse.
J.D. Martinez talks with reporters on April 8, 2026 at Citi Field. Corey Sipkin for New York Post
“I had quite a roller coaster throughout my career from being released to being a top prospect, just my rise and then going in and retiring,” said Martinez, a six-time All-Star who performed 14 seasons. “There’s a lot of things I have experienced where I feel I can relate to a lot of those guys in that clubhouse … whether it’s the offense, the strategy, the mentorship. I am just here to help out any way I can.”
During his Mets tenure, Martinez took a particular curiosity in Mark Vientos, who had a breakout season before regressing last 12 months.
“He was an unbelievable player — he still is, he still is a great player,” Martinez said. “I know he struggled last year, but he’s got the ability. It’s in there. And for him, I think it’s just one of those things, a little bit of guidance could go a long way with him. He’s off to a good start this year.”
Martinez’s role is comparable to the one Carlos Beltrán has within the group. Beltrán has develop into a seen presence around the staff in latest seasons.
It’s a new-look Mets staff following an offseason overhaul to the roster.
“I would argue this team is more talented than the 2024 team by far,” Martinez said of the group that reached the NLCS. “This is a really good group. I played with and against a lot of these guys.”
Martinez was requested what advice he would give gamers about taking part in in New York.
“Ignore all you guys,” Martinez said, referring to the media. “The fans are great, it’s just the Northeast and they are tough. You have got to kind of take it with a grain of salt. When I was here, the famous quote, ‘We suck, we all suck together.’ That is kind of the mindset you have got to have.”
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